King's Highway Historic District

900--1500 Blocks of King's Highway between W. Davis St. and Montclair Ave., Dallas, TX
The King's Highway Historic District is significant at a local level as an excellent collection of early 20th century 1- and 2-story domestic buildings along the most distinctively platted street in Oak Cliff. Originally developed as part of the "Oak Cliff Annex" during the suburb's rapid growth of the early 1920s and 1930s, the district relates to the historic context of Suburban Development in Oak Cliff, Dallas, 1887-1944. The historic district is eligible for inclusion in the National Register under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a cohesive collection of early 20th-century domestic buildings. The period of significance extends from the construction in c. 1920 of the oldest extant buildings in the district to 1944, fifty years ago. Although Oak Cliff has numerous contemporaneous concentrations of domestic buildings, few retain their historic integrity to such a high degree and relatively few post-1944 and nonresidential buildings intrude upon the district's historic character.

The King's Highway Historic District is a residential street that extends in a diagonal direction counter to the formal gridiron plan found throughout Oak Cliff. The district is part of the Oak Cliff Annex, a subdivision platted in 1909 and developed by the Interstate Realty Corporation of Virginia. The Annex followed a 35-block gridiron plan, roughly bounded by Montclair Avenue to the west, Stewart Street to the north, Tyler Street to the east and Davis Street to the south. King's Highway extended from the northwest to the southeast of the addition, making a diagonal cut across the grid.

Lots on King's Highway are oriented in a different direction than those elsewhere in Oak Cliff, and every street that intersects King's Highway makes an awkward, 45-degree turn to the west, followed by a turn to the south, in order to accommodate the street's angled path.

The house forms and styles found on King's Highway are similar to those elsewhere in the development, however, the buildings constructed on King's Highway were larger than those on other streets in the Annex. They were often multiple-family dwellings and may have served as transitional housing for future residents of Winnetka Heights (McDonald 1978; Dallas City directories; Sanborn).

The Oak Cliff Annex was opened in 1909, close to the existing streetcar line along W. Jefferson Avenue, but developed slowly. In the 1920s, the 1000 and 1100 blocks of King's Highway boasted the densest concentration of houses while most lots on the north end of King's Highway were unimproved. At the rear of many of these lots along the alleys that parallel King's Highway, small 1- and 2-story frame garages with adjacent dwellings were constructed. Some of these may have provided servants' quarters.

The 2 1/2-story house at 1314 King's Highway is an example of a house with Prairie School influences found within the historic district. The horizontal lines of the building are emphasized by the pedimented rooflines of the front-facing gable and side dormer. The flat 2-story side porch roof and balcony carry this emphasis further, as does the recessed first-story front facade. The palladian-grouped upper story windows, balustrade and square vernacular Doric columns allude to Classical Revival elements, but the widely overhanging eaves and overall form confirm a Prairie School influence.

Buildings on the lower end (southeast) of King's Highway tended to be apartments or duplexes and those on the upper end (northwest) were generally single-family houses (Dallas City directories). Very simple detailing was applied to these apartment blocks, as seen on the porches of 1111 King's Highway, 1107 King's Highway and 1103 King's Highway. Despite the replacement of the original porch columns with wrought iron, the large house at 1115 King's Highway retains enough fine craftsman features to remain a Contributing property within the district.

Fewer apartment buildings exist in the 1300 to 1500 blocks of King's Highway, which are characterized by smaller-scale bungalows. The Prairie School and craftsman styles continued to be represented, as seen on the northeast side of the street. Fine Arts and Crafts details such as the porch columns and exposed roof rafters and beams are found on the 2-story frame bungalow at the corner of King's Highway and Clinton Street. Clear emphasis on the building's horizontal lines can be discerned, indicating a Prairie School influence. Metal awnings above the second-story windows detract somewhat from the integrity of the building, however, it easily remains a Contributing member of the district.

The King's Highway Historic District is an intact grouping of historic dwellings whose cohesiveness stems from the repetition of several architectural styles, similar residential uses, consistent landscaping, and complementary building materials highlighted by the street's unusual diagonal plan. Current construction activity along King's Highway indicates a renewed interest in stabilizing the historic fabric and returning the buildings to single-family dwellings. Although rehabilitation of the larger and more elaborate dwellings is slow, rehabilitation efforts have returned many of the district's smaller houses to their original condition and helped to revitalize the district.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Dallas County, located in northern Texas, has a rich history that has contributed to its growth and significance. Here is a concise summary of its historical journey:

Established in 1846, Dallas County played a crucial role in the development of North Texas. The county's namesake, George Mifflin Dallas, was the Vice President of the United States at the time. The city of Dallas, the county seat, quickly emerged as a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along major transportation routes.

During the late 19th century, Dallas County experienced rapid economic growth driven by industries such as cotton, railroads, and cattle. The city of Dallas became a major hub for cotton trading, attracting business and establishing itself as a prominent financial center in the Southwest.

In the 20th century, Dallas County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the nearby East Texas Oil Field in the early 1900s led to the development of the oil industry in the region, contributing to the county's prosperity. The county also played a significant role in the aerospace industry, hosting the headquarters of major aerospace companies and contributing to the growth of aviation technology.

Dallas County's cultural landscape reflects its vibrant and diverse population. The county is home to a wide range of cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Dallas County also played a notable role in the civil rights movement, with important milestones in the fight for equality and integration.

Today, Dallas County stands as a major economic and cultural center. It boasts a robust economy supported by various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. The county is known for its thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and diverse culinary offerings.

With its rich history, economic vitality, and cultural significance, Dallas County continues to shape North Texas as a dynamic and influential region.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dallas County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Comanche.

  • 1839: Dallas County was officially established and named after George Mifflin Dallas, the Vice President of the United States under President James K. Polk.

  • Mid-19th Century: Dallas County experienced significant growth with the establishment of Dallas as a trading post and the arrival of settlers drawn by the opportunities in trade and agriculture.

  • Late 1800s: The county prospered with the expansion of railroads, particularly the Texas and Pacific Railway and the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which solidified Dallas as a major transportation hub.

  • Early 20th Century: Dallas County saw a surge in economic development and urbanization. Industries such as oil, cotton, banking, and manufacturing fueled the city's growth.

  • 1960s: Dallas County gained national attention due to its role in the civil rights movement. The city of Dallas was the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

  • Late 20th Century: Dallas County continued to experience rapid growth and diversification, becoming a major center for business, finance, and telecommunications. The county is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Dallas Arts District.

  • Today, Dallas County is the second-most populous county in Texas and home to the city of Dallas, a thriving metropolitan area.